Provodnikov moving up in weight for his 'biggest fight'

Ruslan Provodnikov works out with trainer Freddie Roach last week in Los Angeles in preparation for Saturday's WBO welterweight title fight against Timothy Bradley Jr. NICK UT, AP

FIGHT OF THE WEEK

TIMOTHY BRADLEY vs. RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV

When: Saturday

Where: The Home Depot Center, Carson

TV: HBO, 10:15 p.m. (delayed)

Outlook: Timothy Bradley (29-0, 12 KOs) returns to the ring after an extended layoff. His last fight was June 9, 2012, when he faced Manny Pacquiao. Bradley left the ring as the new WBO welterweight champion thanks to a controversial split decision victory. He said he wants to fight 3-4 times this year. In Provodnikov (22-1, 15 KOs), Bradley will get an aggressive, in-your-face fighter. Provodnikov has knocked out his last two opponents, both at junior welterweight. He is moving up from 140 for this fight.

Prediction: The long layoff might be a problem for Bradley early, but he should be able to work off of Provodnikov's aggression and score the unanimous decision victory.

Record in 2013: 8-1

DAMIAN CALHOUN

Ruslan Provodnikov finally has his opportunity.

The Russian-born Provodnikov, who trains at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood under Freddie Roach, will fight for his first major title when he faces WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley at The Home Depot Center on Saturday night.

Provodnikov (22-1, 15 KOs) won his first 17 fights before losing to Mauricio Herrera in 2011. He is moving up from junior welterweight for this fight, where he was ranked No. 2 by the WBO.

"Realistically I have always been waiting for a fight against Tim Bradley and I would have taken the fight with him at 140 or 147," Provodnikov said. "I think I can beat him at any weight class."

Provodnikov says he feels fine moving up in weight. He credited the work he's doing with new strength and conditioning coach Gavin McMillan.

"I have been improving and I going to be even more different than I was in the last couple of fights," he said.

Provodnikov was dominant in 2012, stopping David Torres in the sixth round in January and then Jose Reynoso in the second round in June.

That's what fans will likely see Saturday - an aggressive fighter who is willing to take risks inside the ring.

"Ruslan is becoming a better fighter all the time," Roach said. "When he sparred with Pacquiao he learned Pacquiao's style. He knows how to fight and he knows the art of boxing."

This is the fourth fight that Roach has been in camp with Provodnikov, but the first time he will be in his corner.

"This is a big fight for Ruslan, the biggest fight of his life," Roach said. "It is a great opportunity and I'm happy he has the opportunity. I always thought he was stronger and the bigger puncher of the two. I love his chances to win by knockout."

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